Kansas Teacher of the Year Program

The Kansas Teacher of the Year Award recognizes and utilizes representatives of excellent teaching in the elementary and secondary classrooms of the state. Its mission is to build and utilize a network of exemplary teachers who are leaders in the improvement of schools, student performance and the teaching profession.

The Kansas Teacher of the Year program consists of local, regional and state competition.The regions correspond to the state’s four U.S. congressional districts.

The Kansas State Department of Education appoints regional selection committees responsible for reviewing the nomination forms and selecting three elementary teachers and three secondary teachers designated as semifinalists. Two regional finalists, one elementary teacher and one secondary teacher, are chosen from among these six teachers. Regional selection committees are comprised of education administrators and teachers.

2027 Nomination Form (online form) - Available early September 2025.

  • Instructions for Accessing the Kansas Teacher of the Year online application Progam - PDF

2026 Dale Dennis Kansas Teacher of the Year Awards Banquet Reservation Form

Kansas Teacher of the Year logo 

2026 Dale Dennis Kansas Teacher of the Year Awards Banquet Reservation Form

For more information about the Kansas Teacher of the Year program, please contact:

Tamla Miller
(785) 296-4950
tmiller@ksde.org


Communications and Recognition Programs Team Director

Denise Kahler
(785) 296-4876
​dkahler@ksde.org

 

 

COMING SOON!

The 2027 KTOY Nomination Form will be available early Sept. 2025.

 

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The Kansas State Department of Education does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, disability, or age in its programs and activities. (more information...)


To accommodate people with disabilities, on request, auxiliary aides and services will be provided and reasonable modifications to policies and programs will be made. To request accommodations or for more information please contact the Office of General Counsel at gc@ksde.gov or by 785-296-3201.